Searching for Knowledge and Inspiration at the Moma Again

Did I find it?  I'm not sure. 

I've been working on a furniture design project, that's weighed heavily on my mind, mostly because I've never designed furniture before, so I am constantly looking at furniture everywhere I go.  I think its hard to see right now what I'm learning, but in a while from now, I'll understand. 

FORCES

I was lucky to see an Elizabeth Streb show back in December.  As I have been working on a set for an aerial acrobatics show, I find her work to be very inspiring. She explores movement on a very elemental level, and sometimes her work almost seems overly simplistic, and repetitive.  But I find it incredibly valuable to get to the root of the matter at hand, and as of yet I have not encountered anyone doing that in such a way as she.

I love the sketches she projects on the screen...

but the monologues are a bit much...

But then you forget about it when they start throwing I-beams around at you...

and flying around on pretty flying machines.

But probably my most favorite thing about Streb is their movable truss rig.  Its so simple, yet it affords so many different opportunities, simply by moving a truss along the Z axis. 

And  last but not least, we musn't forget about spatial sequencing!  Seeing a giant wall rotate forward before your eyes, to become the floor, and then a curtain slowly lowers to reveal a mini half wheel of death and the concrete wall beyond, is incredibly dramatic.

Demolition Depot

My current job has led me back in time, into the world of historical preservation, particularly of a Victorian Bank Building in Williamsburg, and into the realm of architectural salvage shops.

(look at that toilet!)

Architecture In The Subway

I was pleasantly surprised to see this lovely exhibit by the Center for Architecture in the West 4th Street subway station.

Entitled New York, New Work, it features built projects as well as theoretical projects, showing a range of work and ideas generated by AIA New York Chapter members during this difficult economic climate.

Ann Hamilton: Event of a Thread

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the opening party for Ann Hamilton's Event of a Thread at the Park Avenue Armory.  I can't even begin to describe how amazing it is.  And click here to read the New York Times review and see more photos.